Fulham’s Timothy Fosu-Mensah somehow avoids red for horror lunge on Watford’s Troy Deeney

TIMOTHY FOSU-MENSAH was slammed for a reckless challenge that "could've broken" Troy Deeney's leg.

The Manchester United loanee, playing at Fulham, went in studs up on the Watford talisman during the first half at Craven Cottage.

Referee Martin Atkinson stunned viewers by brandishing just a yellow for what many deemed a red-card offence.

Fosu-Mensah lunged in on Deeney during the 32nd minute with the score 1-0 to the visitors.

He was lucky to stay on the pitch, with Fulham's own Twitter account labelling the challenge "dangerous".

One social media user fumed: "I hope the FA are watching the Fulham game. Fosu-Mensah could've broken his [Deeney] leg with that cowardly challenge."

Another said: "Fosu-Mensah should be off. A red all day long."

One comment read: "Obvious red card for Fosu-Mensah. Horrible foul."

A fellow user wrote: "Fosu-Mensah tackle a pretty good example of why VAR is needed. Ref didn't get a clear look, but fairly obvious red on the first replay."

Pundit Andy Gray said: "That is a terrible tackle. Troy Deeney's a lucky man. If the weight was on Deeney's leg there he could easily have snapped him.

"The fact Troy got his foot off the ground meant when he made contact it's not as serious."

And Jamie Redknapp said Fosu-Mensah's challenge was a "leg-breaker".